Secure Cabinet for Dispensing Items

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a kiosk that can regulate, control and distributing authorized products. The kiosk has a user interface that receives information about a user and authenticates the user&#39;s identity. The kiosk can accept a user&#39;s request to purchase a regulated product. The kiosk can then a regulator the user&#39;s request for approval and deliver the product to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/499,043, entitled, “System to Secure, Control,Inventory and Dispense Items”, filed on Jul. 7, 2009, which itselfclaims priority to and the benefit of the filing of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/134,034, entitled “PharmaSafe PharmacySafe with Time-Delay Automated Counting Technology, AuthorizationRequired Time-Delay Safe Door, Pharmacy Software Interface andElectronic Control Inventory Log for Perpetual Inventory”, filed on Jul.7, 2008, and the specifications and claims thereof are incorporatedherein by reference.

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/525,103, entitled“Secure Cabinet for Dispensing Items”, filed on Aug. 18, 2011, and thespecification thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a safe/secure cabinet andsystem that preferably protects and deters the internal and externalthreat of theft and robbery, especially useful for controlled andnon-controlled pharmaceutical medications and other applications. Anembodiment incorporates several technologies to secure, control,electronically inventory and dispense contents of the system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Prior art devices store medication inventory in predeterminedquantities. Specific individualized doses for a particular patientcannot be delivered. In many small hospitals, medications are dispensedoutside the pharmacy and this is usually done with a medication cabinetthat can only dispense what is already pre-prepared by the pharmacy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a safe for securingand monitoring an inventory of products which includes a product storagearea, at least one product dispensing unit, a locking mechanisminhibiting access to products disposed within said safe, and a reportingsystem which includes a processor executing software stored in atangible computer-readable medium, the software causing the processor togenerate at least one report, and the processor executing the softwareand maintaining an inventory log of dispensed products and a user'saccess. The safe can also include an authorization mechanism, whichauthorization mechanism can optionally require entry of biometric datathrough one or more biometric data gathering units. The biometric datacan include but is not limited to one or more fingerprints, a retinalscan, face recognition, kinetic biometric—a device that a user wears andit recognizes the user's gait, combinations thereof, and the like. Thereporting system can continuously maintain an inventory control log, andthe log can include information required to comply with a law or with agovernmental regulation.

In one embodiment, the reporting system can record one or more of thefollowing: a time when the safe is opened, a time when the safe isclosed, a time when a breach in a security feature of the safe occurs,the identity of an individual, and a combination thereof. Optionally, aspecific authorization sequence can be required in order to obtain aproduct stored within the safe. The safe can be compartmentalized into aplurality of areas wherein at least some of the areas are independentlylockable. The reporting system can optionally generate a perpetualinventory snapshot. Optionally, the safe can include automated productcounting. The safe can also optionally report in real-time.

In one embodiment, the safe can include one or more product back-stockcontainers. The safe can also optionally include a user-authenticationfor product dispensing. The safe can further include auser-authentication for product inventory reporting. Optionally, thesafe can be caused to dispense a product from an instruction sent from aremote location. Optionally, the safe can be disposed within a nursingarea. The safe can also include an adjustable product dispensing timedelay. The inventory log can be directly electronically transmittable,and the inventory log can include a perpetual inventory log.

An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method fordispensing a product and maintaining a product inventory log whichmethod includes providing a safe cabinet, the cabinet capable of storingand dispensing a product; and a computer executing software stored on atangible computer-readable media wherein the computer maintains aninventory control log for product dispensed from the cabinet and recordsan identity of a user who accesses the safe cabinet. The computer cancause product to be automatically dispensed from a secure locationwithin the cabinet, which can optionally be in response to data from aprescription being input into the computer. The data can be input intothe computer at a location within a same building where the cabinet isdisposed, or the data can be input into the computer at a location whichis not within a same building wherein the cabinet is disposed.Optionally, the inventory control log can comprise information requiredby a governmental body which can be required by a governmentalregulation. In one embodiment, the cabinet can include a metalenclosure. The software can cause the computer to require anauthentication prior to dispensing product. The product dispensed caninclude a controlled substance. The method can optionally require userauthentication prior to dispensing the product.

An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method forgenerating an electronic perpetual inventory control log which includesproviding a system for dispensing pharmaceutical prescriptions, thesystem automatically maintaining an electronic perpetual inventorycontrol log. The log can be electronically transmitted to an appropriategovernmental body.

Objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope ofapplicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in thedetailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, and n part will become apparent to those skilledin the art upon examination of the following, or can be learned bypractice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the inventioncan be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities andcombinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose ofillustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and arenot to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front view of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the FIG. 1embodiment;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are illustrations of an inventory log and a perpetualinventory report;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodimentwith the side panel removed;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodimentwith the side and front top panel removed;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodimentwith the side and front top panel removed and illustrating the interiorof the cabinet;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a front view of a frame according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a back view of an embodiment of the presentinvention with side panel removed;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a front view of a frame according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a front view of a completely bare frameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a front view of a frame according to anembodiment of the present invention with a top shelf and bottom drawers;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view drawing illustrating a closed cabinet accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a close up front view of a bottom draweropening;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a close up bottom view of a draweropening;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a dispenser according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart which illustrates some steps which can occurwhen a prescription is filled and dispensed;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart which illustrates some steps which can occurwhen a pharmacy's inventory is replenished;

FIGS. 19-23 are flow charts which illustrate some steps which can occurwhen purchasing an item from a kiosk;

FIGS. 24-29 illustrate various embodiments of kiosks; and

FIGS. 30-34 illustrate various embodiments of kiosks using product cardson pegs to purchase products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an intelligent safeand/or secure cabinet which can have a plurality of models of varioussizes that contain various numbers of dispensers for a specific numberof pharmaceutical narcotic/controlled and/or non-controlled medicationsfor security and for inventory control and logging. The invention canalso be used for dispensing other items besides medications, includingbut not limited to firearms, ordinance, chemicals, substances,biological materials, gems, precious metals, etc. The descriptions topharmaceuticals and medications as set forth herein are for purposes ofillustrating one application of the present invention, however, theinvention is not limited to pharmaceuticals and medications and can beused for any item requiring control and/or inventory and/or dispensingand/or security.

Embodiments of the present invention reduce and/or prevent access andhandling of items thereby reducing the opportunity to divert items. Inaddition, embodiments of the present invention use dispensing technologyto preferably automatically count the items thereby reducing theopportunity for human error. Records and inventory can be kept withregard to each item dispensed. The cabinet comprising the safe can havea time delay on the door and preferably each access is controlled andrecorded.

The terms “safe”, “kiosk”, and/or “cabinet”, as used throughout thespecification and claims, is intended to include any device, apparatusor structure capable of deterring or otherwise inhibiting, at leastpartially, access to the contents or items therein by one or morepersons. The terms “cabinet”, “kiosk”, and “safe” are usedinterchangeably throughout the specification and claims. Throughout thespecification and claims the safe, kiosk, and/or cabinet preferablycomprises an intelligent device with onboard processing and memorycapability. The term “intelligent” as used throughout the specificationand claims includes but is not limited to the capacity to acquire andapply knowledge and can thus optionally comprise software.

The terms “product”, “item”, and/or “contents” as used throughout thespecification and claims includes but is not limited to any physicalitem or substance that can be offered to a market that might satisfy awant or need. In addition, in some embodiments, the terms“medication(s)” or “pharmaceutical(s)” are used interchangeably with theterm “product” or “item”.

The terms “narcotic” and/or “controlled substance” as used throughoutthe specification and claims are defined by Federal and Stateregulations and laws. Controlled substance includes Scheduled I-Vmedications. The term “pharmaceutical formulation” as used throughoutthe specification and claims includes but is not limited to the specificform of the narcotic/controlled substance e.g. pills and tablets. Theterm “prescription” as used throughout the specification and claimsincludes but is not limited to an order to fill and dispense one or moremedications.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the presentinvention. Cabinet 10 can be a free-standing unit or incorporated intoan overall filling system and preferably comprises a cabinet. In thisembodiment, cabinet 10 preferably includes: frame 12 (see FIG. 4) thatpreferably structurally holds dispensers 14, bottom drawers 16, hingeddoors 18, and dispenser securing mechanism 20. In one embodiment,locking control mechanism 22 is controlled by keypad 24 which canactivate alarm 26. Cabinet 10 prevents access to medications and/oritems by persons unless authorized by locking control mechanism 22.Locking control mechanism 22 can be electronic or manual and can havespecific authorization requirements for entry. Locking control mechanism22 can record times of opening, closing and any breaches. Each user canhave a specific authorization sequence to gain access so that his/herspecific code is recorded on a log. Cabinet 10 preferably comprises astand alone unit that can be manually operated or connected todispensing software for dispensing. Locking control mechanism 22 andkeypad 24 preferably limit access to the safe by an individual, (e.g.controlled substances dispensing software) preferably time controlledand recorded. Locking control mechanism 22 and keypad 24 optionallygather and/or provide information to access cabinet 10. Locking controlmechanism 22 optionally allows one or more time delays for dispensingand/or opening cabinet 10 and can be set by each pharmacy based on itsparticular needs or can be preset. In another embodiment, one or moredelays can be introduced in another system, optionally via software.

Cabinet 10 is optionally made from various materials including steel,aluminum, titanium, a composite, plastic material, or any combinationthereof, that prevents compromise for gaining entry into cabinet 10.Locking control mechanism 22 can vary according to application and canoperate mechanically, digitally or by any means that resists orotherwise inhibits the ability of a non-authorized individual to gainaccess to cabinet 10 and can optionally include, but is not limited tokeypad 24. Dimensions of cabinet 10 can be virtually any size and shapedepending on the number of dispensers 14, or containment mechanismsincluding but not limited drawers, shelves, combinations thereof, andthe like, as well as the application to a specific area of the industry.The interior of the safe can be compartmentalized so each specific areacan be lockable. Alternatively, larger sections can be lockable, whilesome areas allow ease of access, or any combination thereof. Access toeach locked portion of cabinet 10 optionally requires the authorizeduser specific code and can be illustrated on the access log. Forcedentry or any perceived unauthorized dispensing of product can set offany number of alarms and checks thus initiating a chain of events tosecure the contents of cabinet 10 or alert appropriate persons toprevent entry and thus prevent losses from cabinet 10. Entry to anyembodiment can require one or more criteria, including, by way of anon-limiting example only, authorized users can use an electronic ormanual code, Dulles key, electronic card, biometrics, a touch pad, anyother system, apparatus, or method capable of enabling a user toidentify themselves individually or as a group, which can be on cabinet10, or remote from cabinet 10, any combination of entry modes, that isgiven to the authorized party that gives him/her a unique entry into thesafe, combinations thereof, and the like. The alarms can be silent orcan be audible and/or visual. Any breach can send electronic signals toappropriate authorities, representatives of a company, or any remote oron-site safety system. Perpetual inventory can be kept within thesoftware contained in the safe, or remote from the safe.

Embodiments of the present invention can integrate pharmaceuticaldispensing technology known in the industry with the locking depositorysafe and/or cabinet, inventory management software and reporting systemproviding a user ready product for counting, dispensing, tracking andreporting on controlled products. An embodiment of the present inventionsolves the problem of simultaneously physically securing, processing andquantity tracking of an item and providing the reports required bygovernment agencies and management.

FIG. 2. illustrates a perspective view of cabinet 10 with dispensers 14as individual housing units within cabinet 10 capable of holding apharmaceutical formulation. Cabinet 10 preferably comprises locking door30 and drawers 16. An embodiment contains electronic counting technologyfor pharmaceutical pills, tablets or any other medication or item thatrequires or otherwise benefits from security. The exact count ofmedications for each prescription or medication order can be counted outby automated counting technology. Items can be dispensed immediately ordelayed for a specified time. A delay can alternatively be providedbetween subsequent dispensals of items. Ranges of delay include but arenot limited to between approximately one minute to approximately 24hours; between approximately one minute and approximately 15 minutes;and between approximately 30 seconds to approximately five minutes. Theamount of delay time can be set by an authorized agent. An authorizedagent is preferably set by an officer or other designee of the companywith authority to access the cabinet. In one embodiment, locking controlmechanism 22 cannot be changed by any other persons unless theauthorized agent gives such authority. Each change to the specified timecan optionally be on an electronic log along with the authorized agentname or mark. Software for the preferred embodiment retains thesechanges in the electronic log and reporting system. The countingtechnology can be specifically made for an embodiment of the presentinvention. The counting technology can be manual or electronic. Countingtechnology can deliver any types of dosage forms and containersincluding but not limited to pills, capsules, cremes, liquids, vials,tubes, ovals, bottles, pre-filled syringes, ampules or other items.Dispensers 14 preferably deliver or allow access to one or each of thesedosage forms. Cabinet 10 can optionally secure a plurality ofmedications in a shelving system while preventing access to a selectedmedication using locking control mechanism 22 while generally limitingaccess to all medications. For example, dispenser 14 can preferablydispense an exact count or can supply a stock bottle that is poured froma manually counted prescription while the remainder of the medication isreturned to bottom drawer 16 where it is again securely locked until thenext authorized usage. FIG. 4 illustrates the FIG. 1 embodiment withside panel removed to illustrate shelving units 32, control board 34 andinterior drawers 36. Embodiments of the present invention can preferablyprovide a configurable time delay from when a prescription is receiveduntil the apparatus starts counting the medications to fill theprescription or between subsequent doses of a medication.

Embodiments of the present invention increase security by ensuring thatthe appropriate time delay configuration is set so that it cannot beeasily changed during daily or routine use of the cabinet. A preferredembodiment integrates into virtually any existing pharmacy and/orautomated system.

Embodiments of the present invention can have compartments for backstock inventory to insure all product is secure. FIG. 3 a is anillustration of an inventory control log report, and FIG. 3 b is anillustration of a perpetual inventory. The inventory control logreports, and the like allow for any real-time reporting of activity withuse of the cabinet. Perpetual inventory reports preferably present arunning accounting of inventory, including back stock and can begenerated for time specific intervals. A preferred embodiment comprisesthe creation, tracking and reporting functionality. A preferredembodiment can inhibit and/or prohibit unauthorized access, adhere totime delays as appropriate, track the quantity and movement of inventoryand provide accountability to individual persons for the management ofthe inventory and reporting. A preferred embodiment provides anelectronic perpetual inventory control report which can be deliveredelectronically.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises reporting andfunctionality including but not limited to: providing a CII InventoryControl Log and perpetual inventory snapshot report; providing a CIIIthrough CV Inventory Control Log and perpetual inventory snapshotreport; correction to perpetual inventory in the case of a miscount, orother problem; time-release dispense; and locking mechanism integration.Embodiments of the present invention comprising software preferablyprovide user authentication, inventory tracking, control of countingautomation and reporting. Embodiments comprise software integration,wherein users preferably can be required to authenticate their identityto open the apparatus or otherwise dispense product and separatelyauthenticate to the software for tracking.

Some embodiments of the present invention are optionally capable ofdispensing product at night and/or from an instruction from remotelocation. Embodiments of the present invention fill a need for not onlynight dispensing but remote dispensing. As a non-limiting example, in ahospital setting, an embodiment of the present invention is optionallyconnected to a pharmacy system but placed in a nursing area not locatedwithin the pharmacy. When there is a pharmaceutical order into thepharmacy, the pharmacist can make the dose available at the remotelocation of the present invention.

An embodiment can comprise the required inventory management developedwithin the software system in an integrated manner (described as an“integrated approach”) and/or it can be developed as a separate,standalone software package that interfaces with an embodiment of thepresent invention (described as an “interfaced approach”).

Embodiments comprising an integrated approach preferably provideperpetual inventory of the dispensers and/or other containmentmechanisms provide back stock storage which is then preferably updatedand reported by the software. Embodiments comprising an interfacedapproach preferably comprise a separate, standalone software module.Embodiments with this module comprise the ability to keep track of theback stock in the cabinet and communicate with the preferred software toget the current inventory of the dispensers. Operationally this can bedone through a defined transactional interface or through anyappropriate connection directly to the apparatus database. A reportingmechanism can optionally be part of the separate module.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the “brain” components of the preferredembodiment of the present invention, including central processing unit38 (see FIG. 5). Cabinet 10 can optionally have time delay mechanismsfor safe opening and medication dispensing that can be set for theuser's specific needs. In one embodiment, time-delay mechanisms can onlybe set and reset by authorized agents. In this embodiment, onlyauthorized agents can have access codes to open the safe or dispenseitems. Authorized agents and level of access can optionally be set bysomeone with authority, such as an owner or officer of the company thatowns cabinet 10. All access and dispensing of the contents of cabinet 10can produce an electronic log that illustrates a plurality ofidentifiers including but not limited to date, time, item type, quantityand the person that is accessing the safe or dispensing items. Timedelay mechanisms can optionally be manual or electronic and are designedso changes cannot be made by a user to circumvent the delay defaultprescribed by the authorized authority. Specific time can optionally beset from no time delay, or set to some finite delay. The clock for timedelay can be included in an embodiment or disposed at a remote locationthat communicates with the safe electronically. In one embodiment, alltime delay changes can be reported electronically to persons thepurchaser deems appropriate. Optionally, log reports can be generatedfor virtually any pertinent information. FIG. 6 illustrates anembodiment of the shelving mechanism as well as a back portion ofdispensers 46.

Cabinet 10 optionally can allow an authorized user to enter a number andscan the items associated with an invoice. Embodiments of the presentinvention can preferably log the events for reporting and can update theinventory quantity of the correlated back stock.

Embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise software thathas a replenishment tracking and control function. Embodiments of thepresent invention optionally comprise the ability to change areplenishment function, to meet the needs of scheduled inventoryreplenishments, or increase in need, as non-limiting examples. As anon-limiting example, as the stock bottles are scanned, the resultingevents are made available to the inventory control reports including butnot limited to back stock inventory, and the person causing the productto be dispensed. Preferably following replenishment, any adjustments caninclude a logged explanation and remaining stock and/or is preferablyscanned back into cabinet 10 and the back stock inventory levels areupdated.

In one embodiment, when an item is received and dispensed over aninterface and/or entered directly into software in the embodiment, thecounting and dispensing of the item is not launched until a configuredperiod of time has expired. Embodiments with the inventory count-outcapability and/or any other operation that causes product to go fromhopper to buffer (e.g. dispenser maintenance) is also subject to theconfigured time delay.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise an interface module thatpreferably communicates with cabinet 10. Communication between thesoftware allows cabinet 10 to preferably let internal software know whohas authenticated and what containment mechanisms can be accessed. Datatransmitted from cabinet 10 to software can include but is not limitedto user authentications, safe-open, safe-close (which can optionallyinclude a drawer or container number), and/or user-created information,user-removed information (to keep user databases in sync).

Embodiments comprising software optionally allow remote capabilities forlocking and unlocking cabinet 10. Embodiments comprising software canpreferably write reports for inventory control log and/or the perpetualinventory snapshot.

Embodiments comprising an interface approach preferably communicate withan inventory management system. This communication is used forembodiments that need additional data for remote transmission of e.g.controlled medications. The following are non-limiting operationalscenarios identified for clarification of the present invention:

Prescriptions are preferably entered in an embodiment of the presentinvention with the appropriate software. After transmission over aninterface, in a standalone environment, the prescription can be acceptedby the software if the medication is either in the dispenser or in thecabinet's back stock inventory. Optionally, embodiments can accept anyprescription transmitted. Once a prescription is identified and/orcleared and after an appropriate delay interval as expired, theprescription can be processed. If an embodiment is assigned to adispenser, the count is launched in the dispenser(s). If an embodimentis not assigned to a dispenser (e.g. the prescription is a manual fill)it is alternatively placed into a scheduled state and is available formanual filling. The time/date of the count launch is preferably recordedfor reporting purposes since the buffer area of the dispenser isoptionally not within the secure area.

When a vial label of an auto-counted prescription is scanned into thesoftware of a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is activated and thepills are released into the vial. Software preferably decrements theinventory of the dispenser while quantity filled of the prescription isincremented by the same amount. When the vial label of a manualprescription is scanned or otherwise entered, the user preferably opensthe cabinet, which can optionally be after a time delay, retrieves thestock bottle, scans it and counts the manual fill. The scan in this caseserves a plurality of purposes. One is to verify that the proper stockbottle has been selected and another is to create a log entry that thestock bottle was removed from the safe. When a user completes the manualcounting and selects an appropriate identifier on the manual fill form,the inventory is decremented and the quantity filled of the vial isincremented. Embodiments of the present invention can require the userto count the pills remaining in the stock bottle and enter the quantitybefore continuing. Embodiments of cabinet 10 preferably transmittransactions when it is opened and then closed.

Alternatively, during replenishment, a user can open cabinet 10 and scanthe stock bottle used to perform the replenishment. This optional scanpreferably allows identification of the product being replenished andthe dispensers and creates a log entry that the product was removed fromthe cabinet. At the end of the replenishment, if an inventory adjustmentis requested, a user can preferably select a predefined reason or typein a free-form field a reason in order to finalize the log. When newstock of controlled substances is received into the pharmacy, the userpreferably increments the inventory in the software to reflect the newquantity. Alternatively, a user can scan the barcode on the stockbottle. If appropriate, embodiments of the present invention can promptthe user to enter the required control number. Embodiments of thepresent invention preferably comprise appropriate range and formatchecking of control numbers for quality control. Once stock bottles arescanned the back stock inventory is preferably increased accordingly.Preferred software enters appropriate information to the log and isoptionally available for reporting. In one embodiment, duringreplenishment, if cabinet 10, or some secure portion thereof is notproperly closed within a predetermined time, an alarm can optionally beactivated.

A preferred embodiment allows a user to select at least one of theplurality of Controlled Substance reports or have the reportsautomatically printed on a predefined schedule. Preferably an inventorycontrol log report is a chronological list of inventory events for eachstocked product. This can be provided to the Drug EnforcementAdministration (“DEA”) as documentation of everything that is beingdispensed and acquired in real time. Preferably the report is to beprinted and/or saved to an electronic file. Embodiments of the presentinvention allow for software scanning of acquired medications from thewholesaler into back stock. Medications from a wholesaler must correlatewith a specific invoice number and ordering control number as issued bythe DEA. Users receiving the medications preferably enter an invoicenumber and a form control number into the preferred embodiment'ssoftware. Quantities are preferably added to the total inventory as backstock. All of the events preferably cause records to be created in thelogs. Embodiments with the preferred software also preferably requirescanning to take inventory out of back stock before it is used toreplenish a dispenser. After a prescription is dispensed, theappropriate quantity can be subtracted from inventory. Preferablyreports to correlate to inventory control are a chronological accountingof input and outflow of inventory in real time. Alternatively, timedelay or back stock reporting can be performed. Preferably, reporting issimilar to reports well known in the industry to preferably provide easeof technology and information transfer. Specific labeling is preferablycorrelated to back stock scanned and placed into the dispensers.

An embodiment employs an electronic inventory control for the monitoringand accounting of medications dispensed. Reports for pharmaceuticalcontrolled substances/controlled substances in the holding area of thesafe as well as the medications contained in dispensers of the unitpreferably conform to the federal requirements. Reports can begenerated, including by way of a non-limiting example, the followinginformation: 1) acquired medications including invoice numbers, quantityacquired from the wholesaler and CII control number from the DEA222form; and 2) dispensed medications including the name of the recipient,medication, quantity of dispense, prescription number and initials ofperson(s) initiating the release of the prescription from the unit.These reports can satisfy federal and state requirements for perpetualinventory tracking. Inventory discrepancies can be identified and/oraccessed at the location of the apparatus or can be transmitted. Use ofsoftware to preferably account for the inventory at virtually any momentand illustrates all acquired medications by date, wholesaler and invoicenumber as well as the person receiving said order and can account fordeficits to inventory for virtually any reason, and/or any otherappropriate recordation useful to the industry. All transactions can beidentified in any preferred order including but not limited tochronological order. Chronological order preferably illustratesdocumentation as to the party receiving the medications or reason forloss. Information stored on the software can be preferably accessed andcross referenced by date, medication, person or party receivingmedications, location of medication acquisition, overages, losses andany other pertinent information to comprise a comprehensive reportingsystem.

Embodiments of the present invention include but are not limited tosoftware that can interface with various existing pharmacy softwaresystems to allow for the (a) automatic filling and dispensing of thenarcotic/controlled substance or non-controlled medications from thesafe upon “input” of data into the pharmacy system; and (b) integrationof the electronic perpetual inventory system and reports. Cabinet 10preferably has connectivity capability to communicate with externalapplications to allow a user to authenticate. User credentials areoptionally transmitted to external software. Optionally, a user canauthenticate to both cabinet 10 and to external software simultaneously.

Alternative embodiments include but are not limited to virtually anysoftware or software communication method as needed, and/or anycombination thereof.

FIGS. 7-13 illustrate components and embodiments of the presentinvention. FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrate frame 48 and 52 respectively. FIG.8 illustrates a back panel 50 with a top panel removed. FIG. 9illustrates shelf locking unit 54. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspectiveview of an embodiment with bottom drawer 56. FIG. 12 illustrates anembodiment of the present invention with frame 58 for an all dispensershelving unit. FIG. 13 illustrates a closed and locked embodiment ofcabinet 60.

FIGS. 14 through 16 illustrate different, close up views of componentsof different embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 14 illustratesbottom drawer lock 62; FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of dispenserdoor 64; and FIG. 16 illustrates dispensers 66 and dispenser securingmechanism 68.

FIGS. 17 and 18 respectively illustrate flow charts according toembodiments of the present invention wherein a prescription is placedand filled, and wherein inventory for a pharmacy is replenished.

Kiosk

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a kiosk thatpreferably vends various types of over the counter pharmacy and personalhealth products that tend to be high theft, have an age limitation ormust be verified to prevent usage for narcotics manufacturing. FIGS.24-29 illustrate various embodiments of kiosks. The kiosk preferablyuses spiral vending trays controlled by a customer driven touch screenpoint of sale. A controller is preferably housed in the safe thatprovides the operational interface. The kiosk preferably maximizes offthe shelf components and maximizes SKU count/qty of the customerprovided product list. The point of sale system can also integrate withstore sales systems and the NPLEX verification system for some Tier 1type products (see below).

Over the counter medications can be categorized into different tiers.For example, a Tier 3 product is a product that anyone can buy over thecounter. There are no age restrictions or buying limitations. A Tier 2product is an over the counter product, but has an age limited, forexample, Nicorette, tobacco or plan B emergency contraception. In thiscase, a potential buyer must show an ID to prove they meet the agerequirement. However, there is no limit on how much you can buy for Tier2 products. Tier 1 products have the highest level of security andprocessing. A Tier 1 product is an over the counter product that has anage limit and requires a reporting of usage to a Federal or Stateagency. For example, pseudoephedrine is a Tier 1 product because it canbe used to make methamphetamine. The Combat Meth Act set limits on thereasonable amount that a person can buy. A customer can only purchase3.6 grams a day or 9 grams a month. NPLEx—National Precurser LogExchange database was created by the Combat Meth Act. However, only afew states now require pharmacists to log purchases in the NPLEx system.One embodiment of the present invention preferably comprises a kioskthat automatically authenticates and reports the purchase of Tier 1products. Currently, a pharmacist is supposed to authenticate with acustomer's ID, get the customer's signature, check a log book and keep alog book. However, pharmacists are not required to check NPLEx in allStates. There will soon be laws that require pharmacists to check NPLEx,report the attempted purchase by the purchaser, and get clearance fromNPLEx for the purchase. All of this authentication, verification,reporting and clearance is preferably done at the Kiosk. Thus, no humanrequirement is necessary.

In one embodiment, the kiosk automatically and securely dispenses Tier 1controlled products, age verification products, plus high “shrink” orhigh theft items. A pharmacy losses 5% to 7% of gross annual sales totheft each year. The kiosk of this embodiment eliminates theft whileincreasing sales by removing labor intensive employee operated lockingdisplay devices and cabinets for high theft items. The kiosk re-locateshigh shrink OTC products now behind the pharmacy counter or locked up incases back to the OTC floor, where they can be securely sold tocustomers with no staff labor or assistance necessary. The kiosk alsoeliminates valuable pharmacist time now unnecessarily spent checkingID's, entering Tier 1 log book information and handling high value/theftOTC product sales. The kiosk can manage all customer payment processesand transactions, securely verify a customer's identity, authorizepurchases through the NPLEx national database and will dispense onlytransactions that are approved by NPLEx. The kiosk also reduces legalliability and risk of Tier 1 non-compliance fines and sanctions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a store employee canpersonally register a customer at the kiosk to verify the person'sidentity. The kiosk then logs and records data received back from NPLExreporting that the transaction was checked through the NPLEx system,records customers signature, takes a picture of the customer, and alsostores a picture of the user's ID front and back. ID authentication willmake sure it is a legal ID and not a fake. The kiosk authenticationcenter preferably checks the front information of the ID with the stripencoded information on the back of the ID. If anything doesn't match,the kiosk will not allow the purchase. The kiosk preferablyauthenticates both state or federal IDs and even passports. The kioskallows a pharmacy to control Tier 1 products without human interactionwith the customer.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a kiosk which canoptionally be connected to an on-line registration and/or membershipsystem for purchase of products. Users can create profiles within anon-line website wherein their personal information can be stored.Optionally, the users can associate a credit card and/or other bankinginformation with their accounts. In one embodiment, users can create anon-line account by creating and/or obtaining a user-profile. The userscan associate identification information, including but not limitedgovernment-issued identification, along with credit card and/or bankinginformation to their account. Optionally, if the user meets allrequirements for the purchase of age-specific, legislated,governmentally tracked, reported, or limited-dispense items, includingbut not limited to pseudoephedrine, plan B, nicotine gum, nicotinepatches, and the like, the user can purchase it at the kiosk and causeit to be dispersed at the kiosk.

In one embodiment, the kiosk can be disposed within a store. In thisembodiment, if the user is found to meet any necessary requirements forpurchase of a product, then the product can optionally be dispensed uponpayment by the user at the kiosk. Optionally, if the user elects tocontinue shopping, for example, by pressing a “continue shopping” iconon the display, the kiosk can generate and issue an invoice, which canoptionally contain a barcode or other indicia. In this embodiment, theuser can stop by the kiosk and obtain a product, continue shoppingwithin the store, and then make a single payment for all of the goodsand product purchased upon completion of shopping. When the user hasfinished shopping and is paying for all of the store items and theproducts, the cashier can enter the information from the receipt, forexample by keying it in or by scanning it. In this embodiment, the kioskcan optionally be owned by an entity other than the store owner and theuser can be charged a single price by the store for the total purchaseof store items and kiosk items. The store can then credit a payment tothe kiosk owner. Alternatively, the user can be charged twice at thecompletion of his or her shopping experience, once for the storepurchases, and once for the kiosk purchases. In this embodiment, whenthe invoice is generated by the kiosk, the user's account is updated toindicate that an outstanding balance is owed toward the purchase of thedispensed products. In this embodiment, when the user pays for thepurchases at the completion of his or her shopping, his or her accountcan be updated to indicate that no balance is owed. In one embodiment,if a user obtains the products and indicates that he or she willcontinue shopping, but then fails to present the invoice at the time ofthe final purchase or after a predetermined time period, the user'scredit card or other banking information, which is stored in his or herprofile, can automatically be charged and an additional late payment feecan optionally be included. In one embodiment, the kiosk can optionallyinclude self-checkout features. In this embodiment, the user can selectstore items for purchase, then self-checkout through the kiosk. In thisembodiment, the user can optionally also purchase products, or onlystore items. By providing a self-checkout feature, store owners can thusreceive an additional benefit of the kiosk. Embodiments of the presentinvention permit a user to pre-shop, pick up, pay for, and/or pre-payfor items at the kiosk, then leave the store without having to use theresources of a cashier at all.

In one embodiment, after the user has created an on-line user account,the user can optionally shop-for and pay in advance for products. Inthis embodiment, a printable receipt containing a barcode or otherindicia can be issued and/or created. The user can thus print thereceipt, take it to a kiosk, where the information from the receipt isentered, for example by scanning it. A password, a personalidentification number, or other unique identifiers, such as biometricdata can be used to confirm the customer's identity and the products canbe dispensed. Alternatively, a user can shop for products online, make apayment for them, travel to a kiosk, log into his or her account using auser name and pass code or other unique identifiers, and his or herproducts can be dispensed. Optionally, a user can determine if all orsome of his or her products are in-stock at a particular kiosk, prior totraveling to that kiosk. This can be done over the Internet, telephone,and/or wirelessly, for example via a hand-held wireless device.

Optionally, the kiosk can include an electronic signature pad forcapturing signatures when such are required for credit card paymentsand/or to comply with governmental regulations and/or laws. In oneembodiment, a user can be authenticated via a live webcam or via stillimages obtained at the kiosk and transmitted to a reviewer and/orreviewing software remote from the kiosk. Optionally, this visualauthentication can be performed each time that a user visits a kiosk, orcan be done only on the user's first visit to a kiosk, or can beperformed periodically, including randomly. In one embodiment, via theInternet, the user can create a username and password and insertrelevant personal information, which can include but is not limited toname, address, phone number, credit card information and/or bankinginformation. The user can then travel to a kiosk to be verified and/orto enter further biometric data that are specific to the user.Optionally, the user can quickly gain access to his or her account at akiosk by swiping his or her identification card through a card readerand then entering a pass-code or other unique identifier.

In one embodiment, the kiosk can comprise one or more of the following:

a card reader, which can be a government-issued id reader, a credit cardreader, and/or a combination thereof;

a cash bill and coin acceptor;

a speaker and microphone so a user can stand at the kiosk and interactwith a call center at the kiosk. The call center can be located at thestore and/or in another remote location;

a webcam;

a variety of product cards on pegs representing products that areavailable for purchase at the kiosk or other similar display. A userpreferably retrieves a product card representing the product they wouldlike to purchase. The user then scans the barcode on the back of theproduct card at the kiosk, the user then receives authorization topurchase the product, if necessary. The user can then pay for theproduct at the kiosk and then preferably disposes of the product card atthe kiosk. The user then retrieves the actual product from the kiosk.FIGS. 30-34 illustrate a kiosk with product cards that are used topurchase products;

a door for retrieving the purchased products;

one or more storage shelves to store the products available forpurchase;

the ability to report to one or more persons, and/or to one or moreon-line databases the inventory status of the kiosk, preferably via ahigh-speed data link, which can be wired and/or wireless;

the ability to hold pre-purchased items for registered users for aspecified period of time for later pickup;

the ability to issue notifications and/or reminders to users who havepre-purchased items for later pickup prior to releasing the held itemsback to inventory for purchase by others; and/or

the ability to store one or more photographs and/or video segments of auser during an interaction with the kiosk, which can be used to laterprove the user's interaction with the kiosk and/or to prosecute a userfor an illegal transaction or entry attempt.

In one embodiment, authentication device hardware can include not onlyauthentication hardware, which is physically attached to a kiosk, butcan also include authentication hardware which is physically separatedfrom a kiosk. Optionally, the authentication hardware can be controlledby a process which is separate from the processing of the kiosk's otherfunctions.

Optionally, operation of the kiosk can be tied to product SKU's forproducts which require authentication, for example those substanceswhich are not permitted to be sold to a minor. The SKU's can also be usefor reporting and/or updating a local and/or national tracking database.In one embodiment, if such a product is selected for purchase,authentication hardware can then be activated for a determination ofwhether the purchase should be allowed or denied. The system of thepresent invention can then optionally log the transaction, generate areport or update any necessary control-log reporting data, and canoptionally require a signature and/or picture/video from the user.

In one embodiment, the system of the present invention can track andmaintain a log of each user's purchases and can optionally store imagesof, or information relating to, receipts generated from one or moretransactions. In this embodiment, the user can optionally later retrievethe receipts and print them, so that the user need not worry aboutkeeping physical copies of all receipts generated by interactions withkiosks. In one embodiment, for purchases made at a kiosk, which providethe user with a rebate, the system of the present invention canoptionally automatically populate a rebate request with the user'srequired information. In this embodiment, the rebate request canoptionally be submitted by the system of the present invention on behalfof the user, or the user can log onto a website and print out thepopulated rebate request. As with rebates, for products which require oroffer warranty registration, the system of the present invention canalso self-populate these forms and submit them or permit a user to printthem out and submit them. The ability to automatically submit rebaterequests and/or warranty information can optionally be pre-selected by auser by accessing his or her on-line profile and setting thepreferences.

Embodiments of the present invention can be tied to and/or accessed by auser's cell phone. A cell phone application can be provided withgenerates a unique code or other identifying indicia, including but notlimited to a scannable optical code, which can be presented on theuser's cell phone and thus used to identify, partially or wholly, theuser to a kiosk. In one embodiment an application can be provided on theuser's phone such that the user can scan the barcode of a product thathe or she whishes to the application would thus permit the user toeasily place an order which can later be picked up a kiosk. Optionally,the users can scan or pick all desired items with a phone so that theycan be purchasing the items with their phone while they shop for otheritems in the store. [This embodiment can optionally be provided forstores that do not have a kiosk. Optionally, a phone application can beassociated with one or more stores' frequent shopper and/or valuedcustomer cards, thus permitting the customer to benefit from rewards aswell as allow store to obtain the information captured by such programs.

A kiosk of one embodiment of the present invention can be located in asecure location or an unsecure location, or outside as a fullystandalone machine and built in an armored fashion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the kiosk can be used todistribute and sell a previously prescription only drug that isconverted into an OTC product with conditional limitations like, forexample: need to get blood tested every 4 months; need liver enzymeschecked; need to follow up with doctor on a regularly scheduled basis.In this embodiment, the kiosk is preferably connected with a doctor inorder to allow the doctor or pharmacist access to information from apatient requesting a purchase from the kiosk. In this embodiment, thekiosk is preferably connected with a doctor in order to allow the doctoror pharmacist access to information from a user requesting a purchasefrom the kiosk. The kiosk can electronically direct communications amongand between users, pharmacists or pharmacy staff, doctors, health careprofessionals, insurance companies, governmental agencies, regulatorygroups, law enforcement agencies or any other individual or agency whichmay benefit from or be required to be contacted or notified of thetransaction. In this embodiment, the parties involved in thecommunications are authenticated using any secure process which cansecurely identify the communicating parties such as but not limited to,for example, passwords, biometrics (e.g. fingerprints, retinal scans,facial recognition, or any other similar biometric identificationprocess), ID card, visual recognition by persons face to face, visualrecognition via camera or video feed to a call center, combinationsthereof or the like. Computerized approval based on pre-enrollment useridentification criteria is authenticated electronically and stored on acomputer onsite or offsite.

Users have the ability to securely log into a kiosk network to shop andcheck inventory availabilities in order to find a suitably located kioskfor product pickup. If the product desired requires purchase approvalfrom an individual, company or agency (e.g., doctor, pharmacist, DEA,law enforcement agency, FDA, insurance carrier or any other regulatorybody), the user's purchase request is processed by the kiosk computersystems and forwarded to the all relevant parties or regulatory agenciesfor approval and any reply to the request is sent back to the user asapproved and ready to be picked up or denied. Denial may or may notinclude information supporting reason(s) for the denial and/or suggestedremedies which the user can take to make or allow the requested productavailable to them.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises a processthat allows a user to hold the requested product for a predeterminedamount of time at a chosen kiosk, where the product is held for themuntil the predetermined amount of time expires. Should the product notbe picked up prior to the expiration of the hold time, the product isthen automatically available for purchase by others. Products put onhold for customer pickup can be pre-paid remotely or they can be paidfor at time of pickup. Products may or may not require userauthentication upon pickup depending on the specific product dispensingrequirements set by governmental agencies, regulatory bodies or otherrelevant authorities.

In a non-limiting example, a user can remotely via computer, mobilecommunication device, phone, wireless device, mobile phone application(App) or other communication App, or physically at a kiosk, log in andauthenticate themselves and request to purchase a regulated medication.This particular medication requires that the user has previously seenhis doctor within the past six months and has had blood work done (orany other necessary testing necessary) to determine that the medicationis safe for use by the user for a period of time (e.g. six months). Thetime period is preferably determined by a doctor, pharmacist or otheragent/agency). A particular medication or product also can also belimited by the DEA or other regulatory body and is limited to purchaseof only three grams per day or nine grams in a 30-day period. Theparticular product can also have a local (state, county or any otherregulatory body) requirement that the user cannot have any felony drugconvictions on their record. The particular product can also optionallyhave further limitations which require the user to answer certainquestions which then further qualifies that the product is safe fortheir use. These questions can be anything relevant to safely andsecurely using the product, for example, have you consumed alcohol inthe last 24 hours; are you taking certain vitamins; have you experiencedheadaches recently; do live at an elevation at or above 3,000 feet abovesea level, combinations thereof or the like.

If the required parameters for the user's use of the medication orproduct are met, then the product is made available to the user forpurchase and they can complete the transaction at the kiosk. If any orall of the parameters are not met, the transaction can be denied basedon the parameters. The attempt to purchase the product can becommunicated to any or all of the relevant persons or agencies thatrequire notification. There are a variety of reasons for notification,some examples include but are not limited to: purchaser had a felonydrug conviction and was on probation which would be revoked it theyattempted to purchase any pseudophedrine products. The user's attemptedpurchase is denied and this attempted purchase is then communicated tolaw enforcement or regulatory agency who can receive all the details ofthe attempted purchase (e.g., picture/video, copy of ID card, biometricinfo or any other identifying information along with the details of theproduct(s) attempted to purchase). Or, an insurance company can require,as a condition of coverage eligibility that the insured cannot takecertain products in order for a medication, product or service toqualify for either health insurance payment coverage, reimbursement, orother benefits. While there are an infinite number of possibilities forthis, one example of this is a lung cancer patient that is receivingmedications and/or rehabilitation services which are fully or partiallycovered and paid for by their health insurance provider. A condition ofeligibility for these medications and services to the patient from theirhealth insurance provider is that they do not consume or use productscontaining nicotine and that they maintain a body weight at or below acertain level as well as get there weight and blood pressure checkedweekly. If any of the criteria for coverage are violated or not metinsurance coverage is denied. If the nicotine products were either inthe kiosk or the purchase of the nicotine products away from the kioskrequire user identification and logging of their purchase into acomputer database which then transmits this information to the kiosk,the purchase of nicotine products can then be communicated to the healthinsurance company. The user's health records, doctor, insurance carrier,and/or any other necessary party can access information that isavailable on the kiosk computer network and shared with the relevantparties to allow for enforcement of contractual obligations or policies.The purchase of a nicotine product can result in the denial of thehealth insurance company in paying for medications and or services.Further, the patient's weight and blood pressure cab be tested at anynumber of testing facilities or at a fully automated location (e.g.pharmacy or retail location) which sends the required test results tothe kiosk for analysis of the results. These parameters can be standardunits of measure or customized specifically for the particular illness,health condition or patient specific.

If, for example, the patient met all the criteria but their bloodpressure was outside of an acceptable range, the medication may or maynot be dispensed. But the patient's care giver, health professional,doctor or pharmacist can be notified so they can take appropriateactions (approve, deny, request that the patient set an appointment witha health care professional, therapist, any other relevant person oragency, get blood work or other necessary testing, combinations thereofor the like). The intent of this is to allow for instant, specialized,high quality access to care, goods and services delivered convenientlyand cost effectively while also allowing for the regulation of products,if required. The interactions and communications between the necessaryparties to the transaction can be done by any and all means of securecommunication.

The user can be at home and log into the kiosk computer network to makea request for a product that requires them to get tests performed (e.g.,blood pressure) at any number of approved locations convenient to theuser. The user can do this at a pharmacy and have the results sent totheir doctor who can receive a notification electronically, e.g., ontheir cell phone or via email. The doctor can authenticate herself andlog in to the kiosk computer network. The doctor can then approve therequest and this information is sent to the user's pharmacist forreview. The pharmacist can approve the product or service, check thatinsurance coverage is in place and authorize the transaction for theuser to purchase through the kiosk computer network. All this can happenin a matter of minutes thereby eliminating the need for extra time andcosts associated with the process.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of regulating,controlling and distributing products comprising providing a kioskhaving a user interface for receiving identification information fromthe user, authenticating the user information, prompting the user torequest access to a regulated product, sending a regulator the user'srequest, receiving input from the regulator regarding the user's accessto the regulated product, using the authentication information and theregulator input to determine what product and what amount of the productthe user can purchase, and delivering the appropriate product andquantity of the product to the user. The method can further compriseproviding an electronic application for requesting permission from aregulator for access to a product before providing the kiosk step and/orcommunicating with the regulator directly through the kiosk. The methodof communication can be via telephone or Internet or other electronicmeans. The regulator can be a doctor writing a prescription, apharmacist filling a prescription, and/or a law enforcement agent, forexample, a DEA agent. This method can optionally comprise automaticallysending the regulator information regarding the user after theauthenticating user step. The prompting the user to request access stepis preferably performed remotely. The step of sending a regulator theuser's request is preferably electronic.

In one embodiment, the present invention can comprise a safe, which canbe lockable and intelligent. Optionally, it can comprise userauthentication of any type previously described. The safe can alsomaintain a log of all persons who have gained access to the safe via theuser authentication. Optionally, the safe can automatically report toone or more predetermined locations and/or devices each time that a useris authenticated to gains access to the safe, or a report can beautomatically delivered at a predetermined interval. For example, adaily log report can be issued. The reports can be automatically issuedas a text short message service, an email notification, a phone call, awebsite login, and/or by updating a local or remote database.

In one embodiment, the safe can permit a spatially-present person togain access to the safe contents by a remotely-located authenticateduser electronically causing the safe to open. For example, the safe canbe opened by an authenticated user through a text message, a phone call,an e-mail, and/or by selecting an open instruction on an Internetwebsite. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can beaccessed via a hard-wired local area network, a wireless network, acellular network, ZigBee or similar wireless mesh-network, the Internet,combinations thereof, and the like.

Optionally, the safe can include and/or be connected to an alarm system.The safe can optionally issue a notification when it is tampered with orwhen an unauthorized user attempts to access the safe. In oneembodiment, one or more cameras can be disposed on or proximate to thesafe. The one or more cameras can optionally take still images, and/orrecord video of all users attempting to access the safe and/or only someof the users, for example, only those persons who tamper with or areotherwise unauthorized to access the safe. The safe can also optionallybe powered by an alternating current source, a battery power supply, agrid power supply with a battery-back-up, combinations thereof, and thelike.

In one embodiment, the safe can be stored in a user's home, a publiclocation, and/or a non-public commercial location. In one embodiment thepresent invention does not comprise any dispensing and/or countingability. In one embodiment, the present invention can be interfaced withexisting software.

Narcotics Cabinet

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a narcotics cabinet.The narcotics cabinet of this embodiment is easily accessible to thepharmacist employees and can be located close to their work station. Thenarcotics cabinet is preferably easily accessible so users can quicklyfill a prescription. Currently, pharmacies have pharmaceuticals in astight a space as possible. The narcotics cabinet preferably comprises athin design to allow users to open the cabinet. The cabinet ispreferably approximately 5 to 10 feet tall and more preferablyapproximately 7 feet tall. The narcotics cabinet of one embodiment ispreferably substantially the same dimensions as pharmacy shelves. Thenarcotics cabinet is designed for a pharmacy and preferably comprises 5to 15 shelves, and more preferably approximately 10 shelves adjustable.The shelves are preferably adjustable. The doors of the narcoticscabinet are preferably light weight enough to allow users to open andclose the doors with minimum physical effort several times a day. Thenarcotics cabinet preferably mounts next to a user's work station foradded convenience. The narcotics cabinet preferably fits into pharmacyaisles. Controlled products are preferably stored in a narcotics cabinetso they are secure when not dispensing them. The narcotics cabinet canoptionally include one or more of the features described above forcabinet 10 in FIGS. 1-6. For example, the narcotics cabinet can include,but is not limited to an inventory control system, use of bar codes,logging and recording features and a time delay.

The narcotics cabinet can also optionally connect to an alarm system,have a duress feature, take a picture of a user or thief, comprise acamera inside and/or outside the cabinet, comprise a secondary securitydevice (e.g., pepper spray) so when an unauthorized user breaches thecabinet, pepper spray is released or a high powered strobe light can gooff to temporarily blind or disable an unauthorized user.

The narcotics cabinet of one embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a footprint of a working pharmacy. In other words, the depthof the cabinet equals the approximate depth of typical pharmacy shelves.The cabinet also preferably has double doors and a large sticker todeter potential thieves from robbing the pharmacy shelves since theywill see that the controlled products are stored under lock and key.

Currently, many states do not require that controlled products be storedin a safe at night or when the pharmacy is closed. Rather, manypharmacies “disperse” or hide controlled products with over the counterproducts spread throughout the pharmacy so they are not all easilylocated in one section. The narcotics cabinet solves the problem ofconvenience and security. The narcotics cabinet is easily accessible forthe pharmacy user, but also secures the products at night.

Breakaway Handle

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a breakaway handle fora safe or cabinet. In this embodiment, if a thief attempts to break intoa safe or cabinet, the handle breaks off so that it is substantiallyflush with the rest of the cabinet. The perpetrator is then has noleverage to open the safe or cabinet and most likely vacates thepremises quickly. Behind the breakaway handle is preferably a washerthat is flush with the cabinet. When the owner or authorized user of thecabinet discovers that the handle is missing, they can simply remove thewasher and use an emergency key to open the cabinet. The safe or cabinetwith the breakaway handle preferably comprises a mechanism that anauthorized user can use to easily access the cabinet after the handle isbroken off. For example, a user can access the cabinet using a key padand an authorized code. In another embodiment, a user can have anemergency key to access the cabinet. The breakaway handle preferablybreaks flush to the cabinet. A washer is preferably disposed within thecabinet and lays flush with the cabinet so a thief cannot access cabinetby reaching into a void space where the handle was and gain leverage toopen cabinet. The owner would then come in, remove a washer that isflush with the cabinet and exposed after the handle is broken off,insert tool to get cabinet open, emergency key. The breakaway handle cancomprise a spindle.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limitingexample.

EXAMPLE 1

This example includes example requirements and specifications for anembodiment of the present invention comprising a kiosk.

Glossary of Abbreviation

A—Amps

cm—Centimeters

DC—Direct Current

IP—Ingress Protection

IR—Infra-red

LCD—Liquid Crystal Display

M—Meters

mm—Millimeters

POC—Proof of Concept

POS—Point of Sale

psi—Pounds per square inch

UPS—Uninterruptible Power Supply

USB—Universal Serial Bus

V—Volts

W—Watts

WEEE—Waste from Electric and Electronic Equipment

Industry Safety Standards

The Kiosk preferably meets the following industry safety standard(s):

UL 751 Vending Machines FCC, Part 15 Federal Communications Commission,Part 15 UL Subject 2361 Custom-Built Kiosks MIL-STD-810F Department ofDefense Test Method Standard

Kiosk Description

The kiosk vends various types of over the counter pharmacy and personalhealth products that tend to be high theft or must be verified toprevent usage for narcotics manufacturing. The kiosk uses common spiralvending trays controlled by a customer driven touch screen POS. Acontroller is housed in a safe located within the kiosk and provides theoperational interface. The kiosk preferably maximizes off the shelfcomponents and maximizes SKU count/qty of a customer provided productlist. The POS system preferably integrates with store sales systems andthe NPLEX verification system for some Tier 1 type products. Multiconfiguration solutions are available. All kiosk materials arepreferably UL listed and FCC tested to reduce risk and cost forcompliance testing.

Kiosk Architecture Overview

The physical architecture of the kiosk preferably comprise the followingfundamental sub-systems:

-   -   1. Main enclosure    -   2. Display shelves    -   3. Point of Sale Peripherals    -   4. Spiral Vending System    -   5. Delivery Conveyor and Product Access Area    -   6. Power/UPS and Internet Delivery System    -   7. Control Board    -   8. I/O System    -   9. Computing System

The physical architecture of the kiosk is comprised of the followingfundamental components: frame (including exterior skin), inventory anddispense system, human-machine interface, and product display system.

The frame provides mechanical stability for the kiosk. An exterior skinattaches to the frame, and provides security for the inventory stored inthe kiosk as well as provides a foundation for the aesthetic appearanceof the kiosk. The inventory and dispense system, which is supported bythe frame, provides means for storing the product inventory and forinitiating the dispense process of the products at the time of a usertransaction. The product dispense system conveys and/or transports theproducts from the inventory area to the user collection point. The humanmachine interface provides all of the user interaction with the kiosk,and houses the user collection point. The product display systemprovides an aesthetic display of the products which are for sale in thekiosk.

Details for the hardware component requirements and subassemblies arepresented in sections below.

Kiosk Sub-Systems Subsystems

This section describes and defines the electrical/electro-mechanical,power and communication subsystems.

-   -   External and internal power    -   Compute engine    -   Inventory storage and dispense    -   Product delivery    -   Inventory display and lighting    -   HMI

External and Internal Power

The kiosk is powered by a single 115VAC 15-amp connection.

Compute Engine

The compute engine complies with the following minimum requirements:

-   -   a. A mulitple Ghz processor speed    -   b. A mulitple Gbyte RAM    -   c. 1 Tbyte hard disk capacity    -   d. USB communication ports. USB communication port count may be        achieved by the use of external USB hubs.

Inventory Storage and Dispense

The inventory and dispense systems are controlled by a spiral vendingmotor controller. The controller is capable of controlling up to 160spiral motors. The vending motor controllers communicate with the hostcomputer via USB.

Product Dispense

The products are inventoried and dispensed using spiral dispensing:

-   -   a. Suitable products are inventoried and dispensed using        conventional vending spirals.

Inventory Display and Lighting

The kiosk comprises three sections. The left and right sides areinventory display areas which display and highlight items which can bepurchased from the kiosk. The left and/or right side of the kiosk ishinged and locked. The kiosk is designed such that a technician orstocker can unlock it and open it wide enough to allow the inventoryshelves to be pulled out for restocking or service. Within thisstructure the displays shelves are mounted onto the main enclosure in away not to impede inventory restocking.

Human Machine Interface (HMI)

The center section of the front of the machine houses the HMI andproduct delivery area.

The HMI is comprised of:

-   -   a. A 22″ LCD display with integral touch screen.    -   b. A credit card reader.    -   c. Bio Reader.    -   d. 2D Scanner.    -   e. ID reader.

The product delivery area houses a door which slides open when theproduct is available for the customer to retrieve. The door is otherwiseclosed and is strong enough to prevent unauthorized intrusion into thekiosk.

Also present in the center section, at the top, is an advertisementmonitor. This monitor is controlled from the host computer application.

Basic Operation Descriptions/Theory of Operation

The basic operation and failure mode responses are outlined below.

Normal Operation Modes

The kiosk is a self-service kiosk that allows consumers to purchase oneor more of the items displayed in the product display area. The customercan browse the available products from a color imaging display thatincorporates a touch screen user interface for navigation and input.This display provides information on each product available for salewithin the system. Once the customer has made a selection, the kiosksoftware guides the customer through the credit card or other paymenttransaction and approval process (if necessary) for the purchase. Uponcredit approval, the purchased product is extracted from the internalinventory, and placed in a customer-accessible location. Finally, a dooropens allowing the customer to take the purchased item.

On the front of the kiosk, in the center, is a Point of Sale (POS) area,hereafter referred to as the human-machine interface (HMI). This HMIarea contains the user interface devices required for the usertransaction with the kiosk. The lower part of the HMI includes aproduct-access door which opens, allowing the user to remove thepurchased product(s).

The normal operating modes are:

-   -   1. During normal operations, the kiosk is fully powered and        connected to the Internet/Local Network.    -   2. All kiosk access doors are normally locked.    -   3. The product pickup access door is closed.    -   4. Operation of the kiosk is provided via the touch screen        monitor and associated peripherals.    -   5. If power cycled, the system turns up with the stored system        configuration settings.    -   6. Advertising/informational is displayed on monitors and touch        screen when not in use    -   7. The locking mechanism fails in the locked position.    -   1. Provisions are provided to access the computing system via        the Ethernet connections off the back of the kiosk.    -   2. The system completes all transactions that are initiated        prior to a system power failure. The system includes an UPS that        provides power to mandatory components required to complete a        transaction started prior to the power failure. Those components        include but are not limited to:        -   a. Inventory system        -   b. Product delivery system        -   c. Internet connection        -   d. Computer    -   3. The system does not allow any new transactions to be initated        if a power failure has occurred.

Electrical Requirements Power System

A single system requires a single 15 amp, 120 VAC power feed. The kioskshas an Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) into which the input power isfed. The UPS provides some measure of AC power line surge/transientprotection, and in the event of a power loss, enable the system toremain powered long enough to complete an in process transaction, andimplement a controlled and orderly shutdown. The estimated time that theUPS has to provide power and shut down the system is ten minutes. TheUPS has a communication/data link to the computer system.

The power feed includes a three wire plug for PWR, RTN and GND andconnects directly to the UPS system. All AC powered devices derive theirpower from the UPS. DC power that is distributed from a central point tosystem elements elsewhere in the kiosks are accomplished withappropriate attention to current load requirements and ground loopconsiderations.

Power will be distributed in a safe manner with appropriate cable andwiring management, including labeling.

External Connections

The kiosks contain openings or connections for the following at aminimum:

-   -   AC Power    -   Network connectivity (Ethernet)    -   Wireless connectivity TBD

Control and Communications

The system employs a single non-redundant computer to providecentralized management and control kiosk interface devices including thehuman interface display and touch panel, the audio system, the paymentcard reader, ID reader and scanners. The computer also interfaces andcontrols all of the actuators and automation elements that are part ofthe inventory management and dispensing system, and receives input fromsensors located at strategic points throughout the system that insurethe integrity of the dispensing functions and activities and thesecurity of the system. Finally, the computer communicates remotely, viaa wireless or wired internet link, with an operations center forreporting, inventory management, and maintenance and with acredit/charge/debit card center for card payment authorization.

Communication with the various devices is accomplished via technologythat is cost efficient for the application and simplifies cablingconsiderations. Wherever possible, standard electrical and softwareprotocols are utilized.

System Block Diagram

The diagram in FIG. 19 provides a high level description of the system.

User Interface

The User Interface is comprised of the following:

-   -   1. Touchscreen LCD    -   2. Credit/Debit Card Reader    -   3. Fingerprint Reader    -   4. Tethered Barcode Scanner    -   5. Identification Reader    -   6. Numerical Keypad    -   7. Cameras

LCD Display

-   -   1. Touchscreen POS: Size: approximately 22″-16×9 aspect ratio    -   2. Advertising Instructional: approximately 32″-16×9 aspect        ratio

User Access Keys

User Access Keys are utilized to control and manage access to theproduct vending area and POS peripherals via a SmartKey device. The keylist is remotely manageable via internet.

Mechanical Requirements Kiosk Overview

The kiosk enclosure completely encloses all components of the kiosk andprovides sufficient space to house all components of the product to bevended, all peripherals and delivery hardware. The enclosure minimizesunused space within the enclosure while providing sufficient space forproduction and maintenance needs. The kiosk cabinet is designed tomaximize the strength front of the enclosure. The enclosure provides forsecure restraints of all wiring and cabling within the enclosure.

Kiosk Enclosure Enclosure Size

The enclosure size requirements are driven by usable space on the end ofaisle areas. The maximum floor footprint is approximately 48″ wide (whenfacing the endcap end of the unit) and approximately 72″ deep (requiringthe removal of existing shelving units). The minimum height isapproximately 50″ and the maximum height is approximately 72″ to ensuredelivery access through standard doors.

Enclosure Materials

Cold rolled steel with a minimum thickness of approximately 1mm is usedfor most of enclosure pieces (top, bottom, sides and drawer dividers).Aluminum may be used for interior structure purposes to support vendingequipment and peripherals.

Enclosure Finish

The cold rolled steel pieces are powder painted per Dupont, Cardinal orPantone color code, finish (smooth, satin or textured). Any unpaintedcold rolled steel pieces is clear Zinc per ASTM B633-07, Type V, SC2.Aluminum pieces are clear Alodine per MIL-DTL-5541F.

Kiosk Product and Access Kiosk Access

The enclosure supports being accessed daily for stocking over thekiosk's projected 7 year life.

Product Size

The maximum product size is approximately 4″×4″×3.5″, there are multipleproducts that are smaller and allow for greater quantity and increasedsku count.

Kiosk Operation/Function Access Door Lock

The lock mechanism is an electromechanical device that is operated viaan RFID key and/or commands given through the user interface. Thelock(s) are located on the access doors and are selected based on cost,function and maintenance. The normal condition of mechanism is locked.The lock ncludes a manual override function to allow maintenance.

Door Strength

The lock and door can hold the door in place while a force is applied ina normal direction off of the door for duration of approximately 5minutes. The lock and door can resist a load applied at a length andangle from the door front face to emulate an attack with a large screwdriver or crow bar. The appearance of the door can be altered andvisible damage is permissible as long as the door and lock are notcompromised.

POS Configuration

The POS is configured such that the components are easily accessible fora standing adult from the outside of the kiosk. The POS/user interfaceincludes a touchscreen LCD, a 10-digit keypad for numerical entries, afingerprint reader, a credit card/debit card scanner, an ID scanner, acamera for still images of customer, a tethered barcode reader forreceipt scanning and stocking purposes, and a microphone and speaker forAmerican Disabilities Act fulfillment.

Vending Access

The vending (spiral tray) area is accessed via center locking, swingaway double doors that will allow for access to the vending trays forrestocking. The double doors are no wider than 36″ each. The vendingtrays are outfitted with linear rollers that allow the trays to bepulled out and rest at a downward angle to facilitate restocking.

Product Delivery

After a product has been purchased, the product falls from the spiralvending trays on to a horizontal conveyor belt. The product is then madeaccessible from the conveyor belt to the customer via an access doorthat is only opened at the time of product delivery. Design measures arein place to minimize the possibility of tampering with product via theaccess door. To ensure the customer receives the proper product, it willbe scanned and/or weighed and/or photographed before delivery to thecustomer.

Kiosk Enclosure Mounting Surfaces

The kiosk enclosure provides features on the bottom surface tofacilitate moving the product on and off shipping palettes. Mountingprovisions are provided through the bottom of the kiosk enclosure tohold the product in the required position for proper operation.

Exterior Hardware

All exterior hardware is tamper proof to ensure the security of thecomponents and products housed within the kiosk. The kiosk remainssecure during power failure. All hardware is resistant to the kiosk'senvironment.

Labels

The enclosure includes a label including, but not limited to thefollowing:

-   -   The manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking        by which the organization responsible for the product can be        identified.    -   The model number or the equivalent    -   The electrical rating    -   The date or other dating period of manufacture not exceeding any        three consecutive months.

System Requirements

System Overview—See FIG. 20 which illustrates a system overview.

Software Use Cases Use Case—Customer Registration

Primary Actor: Customer, Call Center

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: None

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. At the kiosk the Customer touches the screen while the        Attract Loop is playing.    -   2. The kiosk displays the Main Menu    -   3. The customer clicks the register new user button on the Main        Menu    -   4. The Pharmacist inserts the Customers Driver's License or        other Government issued ID into card reader. The card reader        then verifies that the ID is an authentic government issued        document that has not been tampered with and is free from        defects.    -   5. The Pharmacist prompts the customer to scan their fingerprint    -   6. Customer signs the signature pad    -   7. The Pharmacist prompts the Customer to take a picture.    -   8. Pharmacist reviews all data and confirms:        -   a. Customer is the same person pictured on the Driver's            license.        -   b. The signatures all match    -   9. Pharmacist approves or denies customer's registration    -   10. If approved, all customer data is submitted to the backend        servers, hashes created, etc

Extensions:

A. Customer Registration Denied—customer cannot make a purchase at thekiosk

B. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

C. Unexpected or abnormal internal failure.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

D. Fatal hardware error occurs that prevent kiosk operation.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

Use Case—Customer Purchases Tier 3 Item (Non Controlled)

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: None

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Customer selects item(s) from the Main Menu and adds them to        the shopping cart.    -   2. On the Shopping Cart screen the Customer clicks the Checkout        button    -   3. Kiosk reviews the items in the shopping cart and locates the        item with the highest controls on it.    -   4. Kiosk detects highest Tier products in cart are Tier 3    -   5. Go to Use Case—Select Payment

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

B. Unexpected or abnormal internal failure.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

C. Fatal hardware error occurs that prevent kiosk operation.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.    -   b.

Use Case—Customer Purchases Tier 2 Item (Age Controlled)

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: None

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Customer selects item(s) from the Main Menu and adds them to        the shopping cart.    -   2. On the Shopping Cart screen the Customer clicks the Checkout        button    -   3. Kiosk reviews the items in the shopping cart and locates the        item with the highest controls on it.    -   4. Kiosk detects highest Tier products in cart are Tier 2

5. Kiosk prompts Customer to insert Driver's License.

6. Kiosk attempts to lookup customer account to confirm priorregistration.

-   -   a. If registration is found the kiosk will prompt the Customer        to swipe their fingerprint.    -   b. If registration is not found the kiosk will prompt the        customer that all controlled items require the Customer to        register.

7. Kiosk will attempt to validate the fingerprint matches the Driver'sLicense account.

-   -   a. If fingerprint matches go to Step 8    -   b. If fingerprint does not match the Kiosk will display an error        message saying transaction denied and return to the shopping        cart.

8. Go to Use Case—Select Payment

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

B. Unexpected or abnormal internal failure.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

C. Fatal hardware error occurs that prevent kiosk operation.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

Use Case—Customer Purchases Tier 1 Item (Individual Tracking/Control)

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: None

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Customer selects item(s) from the Main Menu and adds them to        the shopping cart.    -   2. On the Shopping Cart screen the Customer clicks the Checkout        button    -   3. Kiosk reviews the items in the shopping cart and locates the        item with the highest controls on it.    -   4. Kiosk detects highest Tier products in cart are Tier 1    -   5. Kiosk prompts Customer to insert Driver's License.    -   6. Kiosk attempts to lookup customer account to confirm prior        registration.        -   a. If registration is found the kiosk will prompt the            Customer to swipe their fingerprint and sign the signature            pad. Go to Step 7        -   b. If registration is not found the kiosk will prompt the            customer that all controlled items require the Customer to            register and return to the Main Menu    -   7. Kiosk will attempt to validate the fingerprint matches the        Driver's License account.        -   a. If fingerprint matches go to Step 8        -   b. If fingerprint does not match the Kiosk will display an            error message saying transaction denied and return to the            shopping cart.    -   8. Kiosk will validate with 3^(rd) party systems/databases        (NPLEx) if this Customer is able to purchase the selected items.        -   a. If approved go to Step 9        -   b. If denied the Kiosk will display an error message to the            user that they are above the legal purchase limit for the            selected item and return to the Shopping Cart screen.    -   9. Go to Use Case—Select Payment

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

B. Unexpected or abnormal internal failure.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

C. Fatal hardware error occurs that prevent kiosk operation.

-   -   a. System presents out of service message and the failure is        logged. A kiosk administrator must service the kiosk to        determine cause and to restart the application.

Use Case—Inventory Replenishment

Primary Actor: Store Employee

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: Store Employee must be logged into Kiosk Frame withpermissions to run Inventory Restock Plug-in

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. While the Restock Store Employee is logged into Kiosk Frame        Admin Console he must click the Inventory Replenishment Plug-In        Icon    -   2. The Kiosk will load the Restock Interface    -   3. The Store Employee will remove the scanner from the cradle        and scan the base's barcode to associate the device.    -   4. The Store Employee must click the “Restock Kiosk” button to        begin    -   5. The Store Employee will scan the barcode of an item    -   6. The Kiosk will display the item on the screen and show the        current quantity in stock    -   7. The Driver will enter on the keypad of the scanner the new        quantity in stock    -   8. The Driver repeats steps 5-7 until all items have been        scanned and current quantities have been entered.    -   9. When all items are scanned the Store Employee must click the        “Completed Restock” button on the interface.    -   10. The Kiosk will submit the new quantity levels to the server        and optionally print a receipt for the Store Employee reflecting        all new quantity levels entered.

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

Use Case—Select Payment

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: Items are in the shopping Cart, The transaction isapproved, Kiosk is displaying payment selection screen

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. While the kiosk is displaying the payment selection screen        the Customer can insert an ATM card, swipe a credit card, swipe        a gift card, or scan a store reward card or value customer card,        which accumulates points for shopping with the store.    -   2. Customer select what payment type to use:        -   a. Use Case—Payment ATM        -   b. Use Case—Payment Credit        -   c. Use Case—Stored Value Barcode        -   d. Use Case—Gift Card    -   3. Payment Complete.    -   4. Go to Email Receipt screen.    -   5. Customer can either enter their email address or click no        receipt.

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

Use Case—Payment ATM

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: Items are in the shopping Cart, The transaction isapproved, Customer selected ATM Payment

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Kiosk changes from the Select Payment screen to the ATM        Payment Screen    -   2. Customer must swipe a valid ATM card and enter their PIN code    -   3. Kiosk validates ATM card and PIN.    -   4. Payment Success—Move to Step 6    -   5. Payment Failure        -   a. If the card is declined the kiosk will display a pop-up            message saying the card was not accepted and to try another            payment.        -   b. Return to Use Case—Select Payment    -   6. Payment Complete    -   7. Go to Email Receipt screen    -   8. Customer can either enter their email address or click no        receipt.

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

Use Case—Payment Credit

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: Items are in the shopping Cart, The transaction isapproved, Customer select credit on Payment screen

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Kiosk changes from the Select Payment screen to the Credit        Payment Screen    -   2. Customer must swipe a valid credit card    -   3. Payment Plug-in validates credit card and attempts to charge        the card.    -   4. Payment Success—Move to Step 6    -   5. Payment Failure        -   a. If the card is declined the kiosk will display a pop-up            message saying the card was not accepted and to try another            payment.        -   b. Return to Use Case—Select Payment    -   6. Payment Complete    -   7. Go to Email Receipt screen    -   8. Customer can either enter their email address or click no        receipt.

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.        Use Case—Scanning value card or reward card

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: Items are in the shopping Cart, The transaction isapproved, Customer selects if they have a reward card

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Kiosk changes from the Select Payment screen to the Reward        Card Screen    -   2. Customer must scan the barcode on a reward card    -   3. Payment Plug-in validates stored reward card against the        stored reward card backend servers and determines how much        “reward” the customer has on the card.    -   4. Reward points are then added to the card for the purchase.    -   5. Payment Complete    -   6. Go to Email Receipt screen    -   7. Customer can either enter their email address or click no        receipt.

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

Use Case—Payment Gift Card

Primary Actor: Customer

Scope: Application, Kiosk

Level: User Goal, System Goal, Business Goal

Precondition: Items are in the shopping Cart, The transaction isapproved, Customer select Gift Card on Payment screen

Main Success Scenario:

-   -   1. Kiosk changes from the Select Payment screen to the Gift Card        Payment Screen    -   2. Customer must scan the barcode on a stored value card    -   3. Payment Plug-in validates gift card against the stored value        backend servers and determines how much value remains on the        card.    -   4. Card value is greater than the shopping cart total due.    -   5. Card value is less than the shopping cart total due.        -   a. The value of the stored value card is subtracted from the            shopping cart total.        -   b. Return to Use Case—Select Payment with the new lowered            total due    -   6. Payment Complete    -   7. Go to Email Receipt screen    -   8. Customer can either enter their email address or click no        receipt.

Extensions:

A. Time limit exceeded during a transaction.

-   -   a. Transaction is cancelled and logged.

Software Requirements

Reporting

-   Sales—Sales transaction and Inventory Levels-   Reconciliation Report-   Errors—HW, SW, Network, UPS engaged, Credit Card (Defined in    Detailed Design Phase)-   Warnings—Door open-   Service—Login, what did you do, log, maintenance reminder

Remote Control Desktop Control

This tool allows technicians to remotely interact with the kiosk in realtime.

Remote Console

This tool allows technicians to make configuration changes and performmaintenance tasks on the kiosk via a console that does not take over thekiosk screen.

Customer/Administrative Features: Customer Features Purchase

The kiosk software and hardware allows a customer to purchase controlledover the counter medicines and high theft drug stores items from a selfservice kiosk. The kiosk can validate the age of the person and/or theireligibility to purchase some medications. When approved for thepurchase, the kiosk dispenses the items.

Customer Registration

In order to purchase controlled over the counter drugs or age controlleditems all users must register with the system prior to purchasing items.Registration must be done at the kiosk and approved by the registrationcall center or other onsite registration personnel to include storeemployees. During registration the customer will insert a driver'slicense, give a finger print scan, give a signature, or enter a passwordand get a picture taken. The call center is responsible to validate allthe submitted data matches with the picture.

Restock Driver Features Inventory Restock

An employee of the store chain hosting the kiosk performs all restockingevents. The employee must replenish the items for sale at the kiosk andrecord everything at each kiosk location. The kiosk software allows theemployee to scan the items and report quantities of each in stock at theend of a restock event.

Administrative Features Transaction Reporting

The kiosk software records and reports all transactions that occur atthe kiosk. This includes sales, inventory adjustments, and inventoryrestocks. Any additional personal information that was collect toauthorize the sale is recorded as well.

Usage Reporting

The kiosk software records and reports all software usage of the userinterface. This detailed information includes all button clicks of theinterface. The data recorded is used for customer usage analysis and toimprove the system. Note that custom reports are required for dataanalysis.

System Monitoring

The kiosk software records and reports all available informationregarding the health of the kiosk hardware. This includes status of thebill acceptor, card reader, printer (if used), and network connection.Some hardware does not allow status polling such as the touch screen.

Director Management Server

The backend management server allows for remote administration of thekiosk and gives detailed reporting information.

User Classes and Characteristics Customer

This user group consists of users of all education levels and alltechnical expertise levels. These users also have 1st time users andrepeat users, so the system is easy for 1st time user and not slow downthe repeat users.

Kiosk Stocker

This user group consists of store employees that are trained on thesystem to perform inventory adjustments and inventory restocks.

Call Center Agent

This user group consists of trained employees that review and approveall new customer registrations.

Store Manager

This user group consists of trained store managers who can overridetransactions with detailed causes.

Installer

This user group consists of trained hardware and software installers whoperform the site survey, construct the kiosk, and test the softwareconfiguration.

On Site Technician

This user group comprises of trained workers, who may be outsourced,that perform hardware and software repairs on the kiosk.

Remote Technician

This user group consists of workers that are specially trained on thekiosk management software to perform remote maintenance andconfiguration of the kiosks.

Developers of the Kiosk

This user group consists of employees and stock holders of thedevelopers of the kiosk.

Design and Implementation Constraints

-   -   1. The Kiosk supports at least the English language    -   2. The Kiosk contains a UPS to allow for a graceful shutdown of        the system in the event of a power failure.

User Documentation

-   -   Installation Guide    -   Troubleshooting Guide    -   Administration Guide    -   Initialization (SW Setup) Guide    -   Hardware Design Documentation    -   Functional Requirements Specifications Document (FRS)

Assumptions and Dependencies

-   -   Network Dependencies:        -   Assumes the kiosk has a high speed, always on, internet            connection.        -   Assumes the kiosk has outbound access on TCP port 80 to the            Director server        -   Assumes the Director server is hosted by the customer in            production.        -   Assumes the kiosk allows inbound access on TCP ports 5900            and 7667. This may require a public IP address or port            forwarding to be setup at the network layer.    -   Software Dependencies on Kiosk with Full PC head unit:        -   Windows XP/Windows 7 Embedded        -   Microsoft .NET Frameworks 1.1, 2.0, & 3.5        -   PC with 2 Ghz+ Processor, 512 MB Ram, 40 GB HD, and video            card with min resolution of 1024×768

External Interface Requirements User Interfaces (UI)

-   Customer UI Flow—See FIG. 21 which illustrate a customer UI flow-   Customer Registration—See FIG. 22 which illustrates a customer    registration flow-   Inventory Restock—See FIG. 23 which illustrates an inventory restock    flow

Hardware Interfaces

The major components of the kiosk include but are not limited to,enclosure, PC, touchscreen, UPS, card reader, PIN pad, signature pad, IDscanner, fingerprint scanner, barcode reader, dispense mechanism,security camera, and locks.

Alarms

There are alarm requirements for the Product.

Product Maintenance Maintenance

The expected maintenance time is 1 to 2 hours.

Field Replaceable Units (FRU)/Provisionable Options

The Product is designed to allow service and maintenance personnelaccess to FRU's and the ability to service or replace the FRU's at theinstalled site. The following is a list of at least some of the FRUcomponents. Additional FRUs may be added during the detailed designphase if required.

FRU# Description 1 Cables 2 Controller PCBA 3 VendingMotors/Spirals/Dividers 4 Lock Mechanism 5 Touch screen and most POScomponents.

Safety

The kiosk is designed to meet UL 751and is free of hazards, such assharp edges, burrs, etc., that could present a safety hazard topersonnel involved in the assembly, installation, use or maintenance ofthe enclosure. The exposed surfaces of the enclosure do not represent ahazard to the public or craftspersons. Surface temperatures of theexterior of the cabinet meet the following requirements: metallicsurfaces shall not exceed 70° C. (158° F.) and polymeric surfaces shallnot exceed 130° C. (266° F.).

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success bysubstituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/oroperating conditions of this invention for those used in the precedingexamples.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particularreference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achievethe same results. Variations and modifications of the present inventioncan be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to coverin the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. Theentire disclosures of all references, applications, patents.

1. A method of regulating, controlling and distributing productscomprising: providing a kiosk having a user interface for receivingidentification information from the user; authenticating the userinformation; prompting the user to request access to a regulatedproduct; sending a regulator the user's request; receiving input fromthe regulator regarding the user's access to the regulated product;using the authentication information and the regulator input todetermine what product and what amount of the product the user canpurchase; and delivering the appropriate product and quantity of theproduct to the user.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingproviding an electronic application for requesting permission from aregulator for access to a product before providing the kiosk step. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein the regulator is a doctor writing aprescription.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the regulator is apharmacist filling a prescription.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein theregulator is a DEA agent.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprisingcommunicating with the regulator directly through the kiosk.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 wherein the communicating step is performed via atelephone.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein the communicating step isperformed via Internet connection.
 9. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising automatically sending the regulator information regarding theuser after the authenticating user step.
 10. The method of claim 1wherein the prompting the user to request access step is performedremotely.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of sending aregulator the user's request is electronic.